Need to send an SMS to someone in India? You might be surprised to learn that traditional SMS can cost $0.50-1.00 per message – that's $5-10 for just 10 texts! Thankfully, in 2025, there are much smarter (and cheaper) ways to stay in touch.
The challenge? Choosing the right method. If you're just chatting with friends, WhatsApp is free and perfect. But what if you need to send a real SMS for bank verification, receive OTPs, or message someone who doesn't have a smartphone? Suddenly, it's not so simple.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through every way to send SMS to India – from completely free messaging apps to affordable eSIM solutions that give you a real Indian phone number. Whether you're living in the USA, traveling to India, or stuck in a country where messaging apps are blocked, I'll help you find the perfect solution for your situation.
📑 Quick Navigation
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
Here's a quick overview of your best options for sending messages to India:
| Method | Type | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet messaging | Free | Daily chatting with friends/family | |
| Airalo eSIM | Real SMS + Data | From $4.50 | Travelers needing Indian number |
| Google Voice | Real SMS | $0.05/SMS | Occasional SMS to any number |
| Telegram | Internet messaging | Free | Privacy + large file sharing |
| Saily eSIM | Real SMS + Data | From $5.99 | Premium travelers (Nord Security) |
| iMessage | Internet messaging | Free | iPhone to iPhone only |
| NordVPN | App unblocking | $3.39/month | UAE/China where apps blocked |
| Yesim eSIM | Real SMS + Data | From $3.99 | Budget-conscious travelers |
Understanding SMS vs Messaging Apps
Before diving into specific solutions, it's important to understand the difference between traditional SMS and internet-based messaging apps:
💡 SMS vs Messaging Apps: What's the Difference?
Traditional SMS (Text Messages):
- Works on cellular network (no internet needed)
- Can reach any phone number, even basic phones
- Required for OTPs, bank alerts, verification codes
- Costs money for international messages ($0.50-1.00 each)
- 160 character limit per message
Messaging Apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.):
- Work over internet (WiFi or mobile data)
- Both sender and receiver need the app installed
- Completely free with unlimited messages
- Can send photos, videos, voice messages
- No character limits
- Can't receive OTPs or bank alerts
Which one do you need? Most people use messaging apps like WhatsApp for daily communication because they're free and feature-rich. You only need real SMS for specific situations like receiving bank OTPs, two-factor authentication codes, or messaging people who don't have smartphones.
Free Messaging Apps (Best for Daily Communication)
For regular conversations with friends and family in India, these free messaging apps are your best bet. They work over WiFi or mobile data and cost absolutely nothing.
1. WhatsApp
Most PopularBest for: Anyone communicating with friends or family in India – it's the default messaging app with 500+ million users.
How it works: WhatsApp is a free messaging app that lets you send unlimited text messages, photos, videos, and voice notes to anyone in India who has WhatsApp (which is basically everyone). It works over WiFi or mobile data, so there are never any SMS charges.
Pros
- Completely free forever
- 500+ million users in India
- Send unlimited texts, photos, videos
- Voice and video calling included
- Works on slow internet
- End-to-end encrypted
Cons
- Not real SMS (can't get OTPs)
- Blocked in UAE, China, Qatar
- Requires internet connection
- Both people need WhatsApp
Our take: For 95% of people, WhatsApp is the answer. It's free, universally used in India, and works perfectly for daily communication. The only time you need something else is when you need real SMS for verification codes.
2. Telegram
Privacy-FocusedBest for: Privacy-conscious users who want to send large files (up to 2GB) and use secret chats with self-destructing messages.
How it works: Telegram is similar to WhatsApp but with enhanced privacy features, cloud storage, and no file size limits. Messages are stored in the cloud so you can access them from any device.
Pros
- Completely free with no ads
- Send files up to 2GB
- Cloud-based (access anywhere)
- Secret chats with encryption
- 60+ million users in India
Cons
- Less popular than WhatsApp
- Not real SMS
- Requires internet
- Both people need the app
Our take: Telegram is excellent if you value privacy and frequently share large files. It's growing in India but not as ubiquitous as WhatsApp yet.
3. iMessage
iPhone OnlyBest for: iPhone users messaging other iPhone users – no app needed since it's built into iOS.
How it works: If both you and your contact in India use iPhones, your messages automatically go through iMessage (blue bubbles) instead of SMS. This means free messaging, read receipts, and high-quality media sharing.
⚠️ Important: iMessage Can Fall Back to Expensive SMS
If you message someone who doesn't have an iPhone, iMessage automatically falls back to regular SMS – which costs $0.50-1.00 per message for international texts. Always verify the message is blue (iMessage) before sending, or you might get a surprise on your phone bill!
Our take: Perfect if both parties use iPhone, but dangerous if you accidentally send SMS to non-iPhone users. Make sure you see blue bubbles!
Real SMS Solutions (When You Need Actual Text Messages)
Sometimes you need real SMS – for receiving bank OTPs, two-factor authentication codes, or messaging someone who doesn't have a smartphone. Here are your best options:
4. Airalo eSIM
Best for TravelersBest for: Travelers to India who need a real Indian phone number for sending/receiving SMS, getting OTPs, and using local services.
How it works: Airalo is an eSIM service that gives you a virtual Indian phone number and data plan. Once activated, you can send and receive real SMS messages to any phone number in India, plus you get data to use WhatsApp and other apps. No physical SIM card needed – everything is digital.
💡 Why Travelers Need eSIM for Real SMS
When you arrive in India, you'll need to receive SMS for almost everything – Uber verification, food delivery apps, hotel check-ins, bank OTPs, and more. WhatsApp can't receive these messages. Airalo gives you a real Indian phone number that works for all SMS needs, plus data to stay connected. Setup takes 2 minutes and you can activate it before you even board your flight.
Pros
- Real Indian phone number instantly
- Send/receive actual SMS messages
- Perfect for OTPs and verification
- Data included (use WhatsApp too)
- No physical SIM needed
- Plans start at just $4.50
- Keep your US number active
Cons
- Requires iPhone XS or newer
- Not free (but very affordable)
- Phone must be carrier-unlocked
- Best for travelers, not USA residents
Pricing: India eSIM plans from $4.50 (1GB/7 days) to $26 (10GB/30 days). All plans include SMS capabilities and 4G/5G data.
Get Airalo eSIM for India →5. Google Voice
Best for USA ResidentsBest for: USA residents who occasionally need to send real SMS to Indian phone numbers at very low cost.
How it works: Google Voice gives you a free US phone number and lets you send SMS to India for just $0.05 per message. It's not technically free, but at 5 cents per SMS, it's 10-20x cheaper than your carrier's international SMS rates.
Pros
- Very cheap: $0.05 per SMS
- Send to any Indian phone number
- Free US phone number included
- Works on phone, tablet, computer
- No monthly fees
- Real SMS (not messaging app)
Cons
- Only available to US residents
- Not completely free (5¢ per SMS)
- Can't receive SMS from India
- Requires Google account
Our take: Google Voice is perfect for occasional real SMS needs – like when you need to text someone who doesn't have WhatsApp. At 5 cents per message, 20 texts cost just $1.
6. Saily eSIM
Premium OptionBest for: Premium travelers who want the security and reliability of Nord Security (makers of NordVPN) backing their eSIM.
How it works: Saily is Nord Security's eSIM solution, offering the same instant Indian phone number and SMS capabilities as Airalo, but with Nord's premium infrastructure and 24/7 support.
Pros
- Real SMS capabilities
- Backed by Nord Security
- 24/7 customer support
- Premium reliability
- Data included for apps
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone
- Limited plan options
Pricing: India plans start at $5.99 (1GB/7 days) to $28.99 (10GB/30 days).
Try Saily eSIM →7. Yesim eSIM
Budget-FriendlyBest for: Budget-conscious travelers who want eSIM convenience at the lowest price.
How it works: Yesim offers the most affordable eSIM plans for India. You get a real Indian phone number for SMS, plus data for internet apps – all at budget prices.
Pros
- Lowest prices available
- Real SMS capabilities
- Plans start at $3.99
- Good for short trips
- Easy setup
Cons
- Smaller data allowances
- Limited customer support hours
- Network quality varies
Pricing: India plans from $3.99 (1GB/7 days) to $22 (10GB/30 days).
Get Yesim Budget Plans →8. NordVPN
For Restricted CountriesBest for: Anyone in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, or other countries where WhatsApp and messaging apps are blocked.
How it works: NordVPN isn't technically an SMS solution – it's a tool that lets you bypass regional restrictions. If you're in a country where WhatsApp is blocked, NordVPN creates an encrypted connection that makes it work again. Connect to a US or UK server, and suddenly all your messaging apps work perfectly.
💡 Why You Need VPN for Messaging in Restricted Countries
Living in UAE or traveling to China? WhatsApp, Telegram, and many messaging apps are blocked by the government. Without these apps, you're stuck paying for expensive international SMS. NordVPN bypasses these blocks instantly, letting you use all your free messaging apps normally. It costs less than a single international SMS per month.
Pros
- Bypasses app blocks in UAE, China
- Works with all messaging apps
- Premium security and privacy
- 6 devices simultaneously
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Monthly cost required
- May slow connection slightly
- Not for real SMS needs
Pricing: Plans start at $3.39/month (2-year plan) or $12.99/month (monthly). 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get NordVPN Now →Which Method Should You Choose?
Not sure which option is right for you? Here's a simple decision guide:
🎯 Quick Decision Guide
Just chatting with friends/family in India? → Use WhatsApp. It's free, everyone has it, and works perfectly for daily communication.
Traveling to India and need SMS for OTPs? → Get Airalo eSIM for a real Indian phone number. Plans start at $4.50.
Living in USA and need occasional real SMS? → Use Google Voice for just $0.05 per SMS to any Indian phone number.
Living in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia? → Get NordVPN to bypass WhatsApp blocks and use free messaging apps.
Want a premium travel eSIM? → Try Saily eSIM backed by Nord Security for reliable SMS and data.
On a tight budget for travel? → Yesim eSIM has the lowest prices for real SMS capabilities in India.
Both use iPhone? → Use iMessage for free, but be careful it doesn't fall back to expensive SMS!
Care about privacy? → Use Telegram for encrypted messaging and large file sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right SMS Solution for Your Needs
Sending messages to India in 2025 doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. The right solution depends entirely on your specific situation:
For most people: WhatsApp is the clear winner. It's free, universally used in India with 500+ million users, and perfect for daily communication. Unless you have specific needs (like receiving OTPs), WhatsApp should be your first choice.
For travelers to India: Supplement WhatsApp with an eSIM like Airalo so you can receive SMS for bank OTPs, food delivery, cabs, and other services that require real text messages. Starting at just $4.50, it's worth it for the convenience.
For USA residents needing occasional SMS: Google Voice at $0.05 per message is your cheapest option for sending real SMS to any Indian phone number.
For UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia residents: NordVPN is essential to bypass messaging app blocks and use WhatsApp freely. It costs less than a single international SMS per month.
Remember, you can mix and match these solutions. Many expats use WhatsApp for daily chats, Google Voice for occasional SMS needs, and an eSIM when traveling to India. Choose the combination that fits your lifestyle and budget.
The most important thing? Stop paying $0.50-1.00 per international SMS when there are so many better alternatives. Whether you go with free messaging apps or affordable eSIM solutions, you'll save hundreds of dollars per year while staying better connected with India.
